Vox Pop: Is enough being done to tackle rising Neet figures?

NO - SHAKS GHOSH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PRIVATE EQUITY FOUNDATION

News that other G7 countries have reduced their proportion of "Neets" suggests that there's no reason why we can't tackle our own crisis. However, the Department for Education has to embrace Neet young people as a central issue. It's my fervent hope that the pupil premium will go beyond qualifications. With so many likely Neets already "known" by 14, the resource could also give these disadvantaged and often disengaged young people the wider social and life skills they will need for the world of work.

NO - HELEN BERRESFORD, PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER, YWCA

There needs to be high-quality information, advice and guidance that challenges gender stereotypes. There needs to be more support for young people at transition points, for example the change between primary and secondary, to prevent them from disengaging. Girls tend to respond differently to boys when they disengage - often doing so quietly, which can easily be overlooked. Voluntary sector organisations have considerable expertise in this area, and the government should draw upon their experience.